'Potential solution is the name SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh': Family calls for compromise 

Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The grandson of Pádraig Ó Caoimh, after whom the landmark Cork GAA stadium Páirc Uí Chaoimh is named, says he still hopes a compromise can be found that retains his grandfather’s legacy.

Dónal Ó Caoimh spoke out again on Wednesday after Cork GAA confirmed its talks with SuperValu on the stadium naming rights were ongoing, with hopes a deal can be concluded before the start of the championship in April.

Pádraig Ó Caoimh.

“I am relieved that the Cork County Board did not approve the renaming of Páirc Uí Chaoimh to SuperValu Páirc last night as no vote was taken and that the Cork GAA are continuing their discussions with SuperValu on naming rights,” he said.

“Hopefully now this time will give an opportunity for reflection and debate on how we can both safeguard the sustainable financial health of the Cork GAA and retain my grandfather’s legacy and his place in the hearts and identity of the Irish people.” 

The pause emerged following public outrage over plans to rebrand the stadium as SuperValu Páirc, as first reported by the Irish Examiner. The Tánaiste Micheál Martin was among those to express opposition to the plan.

Following a behind-closed-doors meeting of county board delegates on Tuesday night, Cork GAA confirmed talks with SuperValu would continue.

Cork GAA chief executive Kevin O’Donovan said both sides were "conscious of the public debate" that unfolded and he said they were listening to the public “on their feelings on the different aspects of the deal”.

“It shows that it was discussed in many households across the country over the last 24 hours,” he said.

“That shows you the interest we have in our games, in our brand, in our family, in our 140 years of history.

“That's a serious commercial revenue stream that we feel we can maximise in the future.” He also hinted a compromise on the stadium may be possible.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

“They're very complex deals in terms of various elements, they're more complex than jersey sponsorships or partnerships, so we'll be considering all aspects of the deal and continuing a great discussion with SuperValu, who have very similar ideals as we have in terms of community focus and so on,” he said.

“We'll be to speaking to SuperValu again [on Wednesday] to continue with those discussions to get a deal that's right for both parties because no partnership will work if it's not sustainable for either side.” 

The Cork side are eager to secure the deal ahead of the fast-approaching GAA season, Mr O’Donovan said.

'Compromise'

Mr Ó Caoimh said he hoped an agreement could be reached “where our heritage, history, and identity can be balanced against financial necessity”.

“I greatly welcomed both the Tánaiste Micheál Martin’s and the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy’s public opposition to the rebrand as SuperValu Páirc and calls for compromise yesterday,” he said.

“One potential solution is the name SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

“I know that SuperValu has made such a valuable contribution to Irish communities.

“I also greatly appreciate the coverage the media has given to the issue, especially in light of the banning of the media from yesterday’s Cork County Board meeting.

“I look forward to further open and transparent public debate in the coming days.”

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